Motorcycle
enthusiast and UB graduate student Umarfaruk Chhipa is trying to get a Guiness
World Book of Records entry by being the fastest at circling the globe on a
motorcycle. The Masters of Computer Science student traveled alone on his
Yamaha Virago 535-cc bike through 16 countries last fall, beginning in Frankfurt
and - via London - ending in Delhi. He is claiming to be the fastest
motorcyclist to make this trek, covering 5,637 km in 9 days - a claim the
Guiness people are now verifying."I did this trip for the thrill of the adventure, that's why I didn't get any corporate
sponsors. I used
my own money, about $25,000 so far," Umarfaruk explained. When asked where
he slept most of the time he replied, "I didn't really sleep much, I just
curled up on the bike and took naps."Apart from a major road accident in Turkey in which he was injured - but continued to press on nonetheless - Umarfaruk said his trip was enjoyable and satisfying, with many acts of kindness extended to him throughout his journey.
"I would enter a country, buy a road map and decide the route. That's adventure. When you deliberate over everything, the thrill and spontaneity is lost," Umarfaruk said. "As soon as I get more money saved, I will continue the journey from Delhi, across Russia, into Alaska and across the US. Perhaps in two years." For more about Faruk Chhipa please click on his website